Running Towards Our Goals

Both kids are asleep, husband is home to keep an eye on them, and I actually don’t feel exhausted — these conditions call for a nice afternoon run!

Before I begin what I am sure will be a jog rather than a run, I make a plan for how long I will run, the route I will take, and the pace I hope to maintain.

When I actually get my body in motion, I remind myself why I am running and what needs to happen so I can successfully complete the run.

For a large part of the run, my focus is just few steps ahead of me, concentrating on being in the moment.

I also find opportunities to glance far ahead of me to see where I am headed, and ultimately how much longer it will take me to reach my destination.

Occasionally, I glance to left and right to appreciate and become of aware of my surroundings.

When I reflect on how I approached this last run, I realize the process I went through mentally is similar to what is needed when setting and accomplishing our future Lower School goals.

1) Think about the big picture and the desired outcomes.
2) Determine why, how, and what needs to be enhanced, improved, or changed.
3) Focus on short term goals that have an immediate impact on the day-to-day interactions and experiences.
4) Set time aside regularly to discuss and work on long term goals.

5) Connect and collaborate with other educators and experts outside of Ravenscroft.

As I return to school this week to close out and celebrate the end of the 2011-2012 school year, I find myself thinking about possible short and long term goals that we can begin discussing and working on this summer.

Our long term goals will be based on school-wide strategic initiatives and related to:

Leadership and citizenship

Programmatic excellence and distinction

Technology integration

Professional development

Some of the short-term goals will include:

Reviewing and revising our Lower School Handbook

Clarifying and communicating our discipline policies and procedures

Reviewing and revising our dress code (yes, we will get any changes to you asap to help with summer shopping)

Beautifying and enhancing our learning spaces

I know this is a very busy time for everyone, but I want to hear your thoughts about areas that you feel we need to be considering when establishing both our short and long term goals.

Leave a comment, schedule a face-to-face meeting, write an email, or make a phone call to answer the question:

What could be enhanced, improved, or changed to make the educational experience a superior one in Ravenscroft’s Lower School?

4 Comments Already

Every year children are admitted to Ravenscroft LS for whatever reason and granted financial aid . . . Why not offer a discount for families with multiple children and/or families who have supported Ravnscroft on a long term basis? If community and loyalty matter than it swings both ways . . . Especially in difficult economic times.

Welcome back! What a great school year it’s been. Some of the things about Ravenscroft I have always loved are the long term goals and mission of the school to develop a well rounded individual. I think part of the “citizenship” mission should also include environmental stewardship. Please continue to emphasize these principles in addition to your other long term goals so that our kids can continue to enjoy our planet. Also, as lifestyle related health issues reach epidemic proportions in American adults and kids, consider adding health and/or wellness to the long term goals. School is a great place to learn proper information about how to really take care of yourself. Often this information is never formally learned anywhere else. In order to be a great leader, citizen, and academic, you have to be in good health.

Also along these lines, and related to the short term goal of beautifying and enhancing the school, I do not see many kids walking or biking to school when I drop off in the morning. We live near the school, and as my kids get older, I would like for them to be able to walk or bike. However, I have a little concern with this as the school does not have any crossing guards, safety measures, or even sidewalks around the outside of the school for my kids to use for this purpose. As you know, the Falls of Neuse traffic is heavy. It would be nice to have a safe route to direct the kids to for this. Thanks!

Welcome back! Hope you & your family are doing well. Now you are going to have to update the blogs “About The Author” section, to reflect your change in family status!

Thank you for asking about feedback. Here are a few things that come to mind:
1) You mentioned revising the LS Handbook. May I suggest revisiting the LS Library as well? Many books are out-dated, while others offer limited educational value (e.g. Junie B. Jones, Pokemon’ books). The teachers don’t recommend these types of books either; perhaps library books can meet the same quality standards that the faculty employ and recommend in the classroom.

2) On the list of short term goals is clarification of discipline policies & procedures. I would like to see behavioral expectations elevated. Fewer distractions allow classes to proceed more efficiently and with focus.

Just a few more days until the school year ends. Enjoy the summer and we are looking forward to next year!

Welcome back and thanks for the update. I’m glad to hear there will be a review of the discipline policies and further communication with the faculty. Clarification, training, and consistent expectations among the teachers will help ensure a positive learning environment for the entire class.